4. Suspiria (1977) - Goblin
Unlike any other film on this list, Suspirias score wasnt provided by a composer in the classical sense, but rather a progressive rock band called Goblin. So - as you may guess - the soundtrack is filled with lots of drums and guitars linked together by evocative keyboard synth. On top of all that youll find a creepy voice whispering in the din of violent instrumental attacks - sometimes its announcing disturbing little tidbits, other times it just howls wildly like a lunatic wolf, disgruntled by the glowing orb in the night sky. Whats even more impressive than the groundbreaking sound of the score is its placement in the film. The way the music interacts with the image heightens the films unsettling sense of dream state (or perhaps nightmare would be more accurate). The usual sustained high note to build tension, followed by a loud scare chord is completely discarded. In its place youll find some overpoweringly surreal rock music pounding its way through a scene about a character investigating a hallway. Every moment, no matter how mundane it may seem, is given a uniquely tense and all together otherworldly vibe. The film also boasts a simplistic, repetitive melody, the effectiveness of which was a main inspiration for John Carpenters Halloween theme.